Stamford, Connecticut – Vince McMahon, the founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has stepped down from his positions within the company and its parent organization. This decision comes amidst accusations of sex trafficking, abuse, and sexual assault made against McMahon by a former employee, Janel Grant, in a recently filed lawsuit.
In an email to employees, WWE President Nick Khan announced McMahon’s resignation as the TKO executive chairman and his departure from the TKO board of directors. McMahon will no longer have any involvement with WWE. Grant’s lawsuit alleges that she was a victim of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking during her time at WWE. Her attorney, Ann Callis, stated that the complaint aims to hold accountable the executives who engaged in these acts and the organization that either facilitated or turned a blind eye to them.
While McMahon maintains his innocence, he expressed his desire to clear his name. In a statement, he labeled Grant’s lawsuit as full of lies, fabricated incidents, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the TKO business, its stakeholders, employees, and partners, McMahon decided to resign from his leadership positions with immediate effect.
No criminal charges have been filed against McMahon in relation to the allegations made in the lawsuit. Prior to his resignation, TKO Group Holdings clarified that McMahon did not exercise control or oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE. However, they assured that they are taking Grant’s allegations seriously and addressing the matter internally.
Grant’s lawsuit includes multiple accusations, such as sex trafficking, civil battery, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. At this time, Grant’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment.
This is not the first time McMahon’s leadership at WWE has come under scrutiny. He previously stepped down as CEO in 2022 after an investigation discovered that he had paid nearly $15 million to four women over 16 years, reportedly to silence claims of sexual misconduct. Despite resigning as CEO, McMahon has maintained control as a majority shareholder of the company.
In conclusion, Vince McMahon’s resignation from WWE and its parent company follows sexual assault and trafficking allegations made against him by a former employee. While McMahon denies these allegations, he has chosen to step down to protect the reputation of the organization. The lawsuit filed by Janel Grant seeks accountability for the alleged abuses she experienced during her time at WWE. Further developments regarding this case are expected.